Val had all the ingredients and items needed to refine the level 3 bloodline upgrading portion of the Whitemore.
However, he still lacked one thing.
It was the knowledge of alchemy itself.
Now, he knew he had two ways to acquire this much-needed knowledge.
The first was to spend points at the Arcane Library, where ancient texts and mystical scrolls could provide the information he needed. This method, although reliable, would cost him valuable points that he might need for something else later on.
The second option was to ask Gruul if he knew how to perform alchemy. If Gruul did, Val just needed to command him to teach him alchemy, and the problem would be solved. After all, Val was the Devil God, and Gruul would obediently follow his command.
This method was free, and Val liked the idea of conserving his resources whenever possible. So, deciding that it was worth a shot, Val opted for the free method first.